"I think Zidane managed the group very intelligently," the Portuguese star said. "It's not an easy situation because all players want to play a lot. He did a very smart job, involved all the players and it was very beneficial."

Zidane won the World Cup, Champions League, Serie A and LaLiga among numerous other trophies during his career as a player.

Madrid captain Sergio Ramos also lauded Zidane's management skills, praising the 46 year-old for his transition from player to coach.

"Zidane's career speaks for itself, both what he did as a player and what he does as a coach," Ramos said. "He found a way to transfer the talent he had as a player to his role as coach and manage a dressing room.

"He does a fantastic and unique job, and the results are not a coincidence."